PDC recommends approval to convert former pharmacy site to gym and retail in Beverly Hills PUD
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Summary
The commission voted 7‑0 to recommend approval of a PUD amendment that will allow Epic Health & Fitness to occupy a former pharmacy site in the Nature Coast Park PUD in Beverly Hills; the applicant said no exterior changes are planned and staff placed conditions that remain unchanged.
The Citrus County Planning and Development Commission voted 7‑0 to recommend approval of a planned‑unit‑development amendment to allow gym and retail uses (Epic Health & Fitness) on Lot 5 of the Nature Coast Park PUD in Beverly Hills.
Applicant Jesse Navarro told the commission his franchise already operates Epic Health & Fitness in Crystal River and that the Beverly Hills location would reuse an existing building (formerly a pharmacy). The applicant said no exterior changes to the structure are planned other than signage, and that the monument signage will be updated. Navarro said the Crystal River club has about 450 daily check‑ins at peak, and that the Beverly Hills site has about 73 parking spaces and is expected to have sufficient peak parking.
Staff presentation noted the lot had a retail designation on the master plan and that the site had previously operated as a retail pharmacy approved in 2003. Staff said the only amendment requested was to allow “retail and service/gym” uses on Lot 5 and that other PUD conditions would remain in place. Commissioners asked about parking counts and food service: Navarro said the gym would operate a smoothie bar, which the Florida Department of Health would regulate; any food operations would be permitted through the health department.
Commission discussion was broadly supportive; commissioners praised the reuse of an existing building rather than building new commercial space. The Planning & Development Commission voted to recommend the PUD amendment to the Board of County Commissioners; the motion was made by Commissioner David Bramlett and seconded by Commissioner Robert Scherer and recorded as carrying 7‑0.
Next steps: The application will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action. Staff will retain the PUD’s existing conditions for signage, façade and other standards; the applicant must meet permitting and health requirements for any food service and obtain appropriate signage permits.